The
Tower City Chorus of Greater Cleveland is comprised
of members of the Cleveland West Suburban Chapter
of the Barbershop Harmony Society --- originally the
Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of
Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.).
Organized in 1940, Cleveland's was one of the first
S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Chapters to be chartered east of
the Mississippi River . The Cleveland West Suburban
Chapter was recognized by the Johnny Appleseed District
as its 2002 "Quality Chapter of the Year" for outstanding
quality in the pursuit of activities in its community
representing both Barbershop harmony and the spirit
of the Johnny Appleseed District.
The Tower City Chorus is a vital organization of 70
singers that includes men from most of the communities
in and around Cleveland and represents most occupations
and professions. The Chorus and its many celebrated
quartets have been actively entertaining audiences
for 66 years. Current as well as former members have
distinguished themselves in international competition.
The Great Bunch of Guys have been Senior International
Quartet Medalists and the Boston Common, Grandmas
Boys, and Keepsakes were International
Quartet Champions. Hi Fi Four and Postgrads
were Johnny Appleseed District Champions. Most recently,
Cat Fish Bend were GOLD Medalists in Portland
at the International College Quartet Competition.
The Tower City Chorus is comprised of singers
whose members enjoy singing a cappella music, good
fun, and fellowship, while supporting their communities
with the gift of quality music. Each year, the members
contribute many man-hours singing for churches, as
well as local charitable and civic organizations.
In 2002, the Tower City Chorus was honored to sing
with the Cleveland POPS Orchestra under Carl Topilow
and received this rave review from Mark Satola, Plain
Dealer Music Editor:"Acclaim of a different
sort was expressed after the Tower City Chorus, an
80-voice men's choir in the barbershop quartet tradition,
moved to the sides of the stage after a lively extended
version of Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band." Cries
of "Don't go!" and "More!" prompted Topilow to reassure
the audience that the men weren't leaving. They were
just moving to the back of the stage to sing selections
from "The Music Man" with the orchestra."
Since
that first performance with the Cleveland POPS we've
been invited back on several occasions, most recently
for "The Spirit of Christmas 2005"
Come
join us! You'll find more information throughout
this website about our Tuesday night chapter meetings!
